A still from ‘It: Welcome to Derry’
| Photo Credit: HBO Max
HBO has unveiled the first teaser trailer for It: Welcome to Derry, offering a glimpse into the origins of Stephen King’s iconic horror universe. Set in 1962, the upcoming series acts as a prequel to Andy Muschietti’s It films and expands on the sinister legacy of the town of Derry, Maine.
The teaser leans into atmosphere, using unsettling visuals to hint at the return of Pennywise. Bill Skarsgard reprises his role as the shapeshifting entity, and is also on board as an executive producer. Skarsgard has previously described the series as “pretty hardcore”.
It: Welcome to Derry is co-developed by Muschietti, who directed both It films and will helm four of the series’ nine episodes. The story, created by Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, draws inspiration from the interlude chapters of King’s 1986 novel. These sections chronicle past cycles of Pennywise’s violence, including events like the burning of the Black Spot and the Kitchener Ironworks explosion.
The show’s ensemble cast features Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso. Fuchs also serves as co-showrunner alongside Brad Caleb Kane.
Stephen King has given the project his approval, with Muschietti confirming the author’s informal involvement in shaping the series. HBO has plans for multiple seasons, with future installments potentially exploring even earlier periods in Derry’s cursed history.
It: Welcome to Derry is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max in 2025.
Published – May 20, 2025 12:34 pm IST